Nadal overcomes plucky Carballes Baena to make more clay history

Rafael Nadal overcame the plucky challenge of compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-4 to progress into the second round of the Barcelona Open and grab more clay-court history.

Already boosted by the exit of Novak Djokovic earlier on Wednesday, the world number one - playing on the court named in his honour - ultimately had too much class for his unfancied opponent.

Nadal was put under pressure on a couple occasions in, but the recently crowned Monte Carlo champion extended his remarkable career-best run to 38 consecutive sets on the clay - an outright Open Era record.

Carballes Baena started brightly and forced the first break with an overhead smash to go 2-0 in front.